Best of Existing's Tricky 2010

I can't believe it's been eight months since I started this blog.  Here is a list of personal favorite posts of 2010!

Refocusing: Letting Go and Letting Love

The Ego's job is to create fear and control, but sometimes a book or experience, quote, or friend can help us kick that Ego to the curb and get in touch with our inner guidance system. The message I received will enable me to kick this healing into high gear. 

Protect Yourself This Flu Season

Drug companies push dangerous shots that contain mercury and other nastiness. A few simple holistic remedies will help you maintain health, even through the winter flu season. 

Healthy Monday's: The Protein Myth

One of the biggest questions I am asked is "How do you get your protein if you are not eating meat? There are many sources of protein for vegetarians, including nuts, seeds and dark leafy vegetables. This article also covers which items are a complete source of protein, meaning they contain all essential amino acids. 

Forgiveness

This is one of the most important lessons I've learned this year. I've experience so much healing by using this simple tool. I know it will help you as well. 

The Power of Affirmations

Louise Hay is a brilliant woman who healed her own cancer through the use of affirmations.   

12 Steps to a Healthier You

Most people have the desire to improve their health, increase happiness and live better lives. However, most efforts fail because they don't know the steps to successfully implement change in their lives. Read, print, and follow these steps to create a healthier you. 

Mirroring: Reflect on the Inner You

This tool has been tremendous in opening myself to others. Often times those who affect us the most, are the ones we need to pay the most attention to. They are a reflection of something inside ourselves. 

Superfoods Part I, Superfoods Part II and Superfoods Part III

This three-part article details 17 different Superfoods that personally healed my issues with anemia, hypoglycemia, hormone imbalance, and have reduced the inflammation in my system, which in turn has reduced the cancer. This is one of the most important sources of information I've ever received.

I'm a Reiki Gal Now!

I resisted, dug my heels in, crossed my arms, and shouted "I don't wanna" in my little kid voice, year after year.  This year I finally relented, and realized what a beautiful gift Reiki is. This is my story.

Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World

It is so difficult to explain diet and lifestyle changes to our loved ones. Often times people become defensive, and in turn, we can have a superior attitude. This list of tips will help you co-exist with those still on a SAD (Standard American Diet). 

Love and Gratitude Friday's: Attracting Abundance

I have been using the Law of Attraction for a few years now and I'm telling you, it works.  This is a list of my favorite tools to aid you in implementing the Law in your life.

Healing With Energy Psychology

I have used many different energy psychology techniques.  In this article I discuss some of my earliest successes, which have lead to incredible healing.

No TV For 30 Days Challenge

Kris Carr originally posted this challenge on her blog CrazySexyLife.  In this article I provide tips on reducing TV in your life, how to fill in all the extra time, and challenge you to take a 30 day break from the boob tube.

Releasing Romantic Illusions

In Gabrielle Bernstein's wonderful book Add More ~Ing to Your Life: The Hip Guide to Happiness, she discusses how we sometimes make our intimate relationships "special", which can lessen our own loving relationship with ourselves.  

Loving Tuesday's: Love Yourself

Self love is so important.  Enjoy this beautiful post filled with tips, quotes and pictures to help you create a loving relationship with your self. 

Comment, re-post, sign up to be a follower and spread the word! Thank you for a wonderful 2010, let's start 2011 off with a BANG!! 

Namaste

Shanna

 

Quinoa, Food of the Gods

I first talked about Quinoa in my blog entry The Protein Myth. This amazing grain is a complete source of protein and extremely versatile. The Incans planted this grain each year at Solstice, in honor of the gods. I thought I'd share a few recipes with you.

Quinoa Salad


Ingredients:
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups water
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
6 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 scallion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small cucumber, sliced
juice from 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
dash cayenne pepper
dash cumin
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. Boil quinoa in a rice cooker or saucepan with water until all water is absorbed. Set aside to cool.
2. Combine all chopped veggies and drained beans with lemon juice, oil, vinegar and spices.
3. Toss with quinoa, add salt and pepper to taste and serve. Good with hot sauce!

Makes: serves two, with leftovers, Preparation time: 15 minutes, Cooking time: 15 minutes

Nutty Quinoa Hash


Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 large stalks celery, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 small zucchini, chopped
1 can (16 oz) corn, or pre-cooked fresh or frozen corn
favorite all-purpose seasoning (I use a spicy Creole blend)
at least 3 tablespoon crunchy peanut butter, or 3 tablespoon creamy and 2 teaspoon chopped peanuts

Directions:
In a medium saucepan, bring the two cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa, return to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until all water has been absorbed. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive or canola oil on medium heat. Add the potatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are thoroughly cooked and slightly crispy. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper; cook until each is slightly soft. Add zucchini & corn; cook until zucchini is soft and corn is heated through. Add seasoning to taste. Remove from heat.

Add the peanut butter to the quinoa and stir until thoroughly blended. Add chopped nuts, if using, and stir. Add the quinoa to the vegetables and mix well.

Serves: 4-6
Preparation time: 20 min.

What are your favorite Quinoa recipes? Share them here!

Love and Gratitude

Shanna ♥

Healthy Monday's: The Protein Myth

As a vegetarian, the question I get asked most often is "Where do you get your protein?"  Most people believe that the best sources of protein come from meat, dairy and eggs, and are baffled at what vegetarians, especially vegans do for protein.  There are actually many wonderful sources of protein, which I will layout for you here.  An important thing to notice also is if something is a COMPLETE source of protein.  What does this mean?  Essentially a complete source of protein contains adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids the human body needs to function properly. 

One thing to get in mind before I divulge vegan protein options is that while most sources of meat and dairy are complete proteins, it doesn't necessarily mean that those sources are good for us.  95% of our meat and dairy industry is controlled by large factory farms.  This means that most of the meat, cheese and egg products we consume are filled with hormones and come from extremely unhealthy animals.  Most of these animals never see the light of day, live in terrible conditions, are disease-ridden, and are fed unnatural, nutrient-less diets.  Even if you are not concerned with the humanity issue, who wants to eat something that is filled with chemicals, stripped of nutrients and diseased?  Ewww.  If you choose to eat these items, go local and organic.  You'll find that not only will it taste better, but you will get more out of the food and not be exposed to harmful hormones and potential diseases.  And for those of you that believe you are safe by eating fish, think again.  Most fish sold in stores and restaurants now actual come from farms.  These fish are also pumped with toxins, and many fish are dyed so that the flesh appears white and is therefore more attractive.  Companies have also experimented with feeding fish corn, which is unnatural and leading to health and nutrition issues with the fish.  Do some research before consuming these products, or all you'll be doing is consuming toxic, nutrient-less food.

For more information check out these blog entries by Chris Beat Cancer:
Mutant Milk
King Corn

So what sources of protein are healthy and great for vegans?

1. Grains.  There are several grains that are a complete source of protein.  These include Amaranth (pictured), Buckwheat, Hemp seed, and Quinoa.  All of these grains are great for making pasta, cereals, baked goods, and much more.  Hemp seed is the star of this category, with the highest source of protein.  Another way to consume it is by purchasing vegan protein powders that are hemp based.  Famous vegan athlete Brendan Brazier has a great product called Vega that I often use in my smoothies.

2. Greens.  Most greens are a great source of protein, but these particular greens are also a complete source of protein.  Spirulina (pictured) is the highest source of protein of any food item in the world.  It can be purchased in powder form and is a great addition to any smoothie.  Blue-Green Algae is another green that also counts as a complete protein.  Usually you can find this in the freezer section of your health food store.  I recommend thawing it, putting it into ice cube trays, and then popping a cube into your smoothie. 

3. Goji Berries.  This delightful berry has one of the highest sources of complete protein in the word.  Goji berries are known as the "Longevity Berry" and Chinese history has many stories relating to people who have lived 250-300 years by eating these berries daily.  This fruit is also an adaptogen, which means that it strengthens the systems, helps our body deal with stress by supporting the adrenal glands.  These berries are also very high in antioxidants, boost the immune system, improve vision, hydrate the body, are very alkalizing, promote neurological and cardiovascular health, balance blood sugar levels, and increase the product of the human growth hormone. 

4. Nutritional Yeast.  This amazing food is an incredible source of protein, higher than any meat product.  It is also a great source of B-12 vitamins and regulates blood sugar.  It can be used as a condiment, added to gravies and sauces, added to the flour in baked goods, used to make a vegan cheeze, etc. 

Finding protein sources is really not that difficult.  Other vegetarian sources of protein include Chlorella, Cacao, Incan Berries (also known as goldenberries), dark leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes.  Most of these are not complete sources of protein, but when combined will give you all the protein you need.